CVE-2024-23687 in mod-data-export-spring versions
Summary
by MITRE • 01/20/2024
Hard-coded credentials in FOLIO mod-data-export-spring versions before 1.5.4 and from 2.0.0 to 2.0.2 allows unauthenticated users to access critical APIs, modify user data, modify configurations including single-sign-on, and manipulate fees/fines.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23687 represents a critical security flaw in the FOLIO mod-data-export-spring module affecting versions prior to 1.5.4 and within the 2.0.0 to 2.0.2 range. This issue stems from the inclusion of hard-coded credentials within the software implementation, creating a persistent backdoor that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms. The presence of such credentials in the source code or configuration files fundamentally undermines the security architecture of the affected systems, as these hardcoded values remain unchanged regardless of system updates or security policy modifications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software implementations. When developers embed authentication credentials directly into code rather than retrieving them from secure external sources, they create a situation where these secrets become permanently exposed within the application's binary or source code repositories. This flaw enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to the affected FOLIO module without requiring legitimate user credentials or authentication tokens. The vulnerability specifically impacts the mod-data-export-spring component, which handles data export functionalities within the FOLIO library management system ecosystem.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with comprehensive administrative privileges within the affected system. Unauthenticated users can leverage these hard-coded credentials to access critical application programming interfaces that control user data modifications, configuration settings, and financial transaction management. The ability to manipulate fees and fines represents a particularly concerning aspect of this vulnerability, as it directly impacts the financial integrity of library systems and could enable fraudulent activities or unauthorized financial modifications. Additionally, the capability to modify single-sign-on configurations undermines the entire authentication infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access across multiple systems within the organization.
This vulnerability creates significant risks for library institutions relying on FOLIO systems, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized control over critical data management functions. The impact extends to user privacy protection, as unauthorized modifications to user data could expose sensitive information or alter access permissions. Configuration manipulation capabilities allow attackers to fundamentally alter system behavior, potentially disabling security features or redirecting data flows. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects multiple version ranges, indicating a prolonged period during which systems remained exposed to this threat. Organizations using affected versions should immediately implement emergency mitigation measures while planning for comprehensive system updates and credential rotation.
The remediation approach for CVE-2024-23687 requires immediate deployment of patched versions 1.5.4 and 2.0.3 or later, which address the hard-coded credential issue through proper credential management practices. System administrators must conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all instances of affected software versions and implement comprehensive credential rotation procedures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and secure credential storage mechanisms, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 standards. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing credential compromise scenarios. The vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of the importance of secure software development practices and the need for regular security assessments to identify and remediate hard-coded secrets in production systems.